Oklahoma City Thunder fans are hoping a new video that has emerged could clear the name of star Aussie guard Josh Giddey, who is under investigation by the NBA.
Giddey, who suited up for the Thunder in its loss to Philadelphia on the weekend, is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
It comes after images and video of Giddey and a young woman went viral. Another video shows Giddey outside a nightclub with the same individual.
Now a new video has emerged that allegedly shows Giddey and the young woman dancing together in a nightclub.
The video appears to show 203cm tall Giddey and the young woman at the centre of the allegations in a nightclub, where you have to be at least 18 to enter
The Australian Boomers star point guard is currently being investigated by the NBA over the viral images and videos
Fans claim the video exonerates the Australian Boomers point guard because minors cannot legally enter a nightclub in the United States.
In the US, any Type I establishment like a nightclub requires all patrons to be 21 years old.
However, most major cities have 18+ nightclubs where people aged 18-21 can attend, but cannot consume alcohol on the premises.
It should be noted that some youngsters use fake IDs to enter premises that have age restrictions.
‘Am I witnessing the saving of Josh Giddey rn?’ one fan asked.
‘Did bro just save josh Giddey career?’ posted another.
‘Bro might not play for the thunder but he just gave the assist of the century to Josh Giddey.’ added another.
The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16, but there are exceptions.
Despite the allegations and ongoing NBA investigation, Giddey has been cleared to continue playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder and suited up against Philadelphia on the weekend
One of the original images that prompted the allegations against Giddey and the consequent, ongoing NBA investigation
Giddey cut his teeth in the Australian NBL with the Adelaide 36ers before he was selected by Oklahoma with pick six in the 2021 NBA draft
Minors aged 14 can have consensual sex with other minors younger than 18 years under what is called the Romeo and Juliet law.
Oklahoma also allows for consensual sex between a minor and an adult when they are married.
Giddey received a loud roar of support from Oklahoma supporters when he took to the court on the weekend.
But the Aussie star remained tight-lipped when interviewed before the tip-off.
‘I get the question guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it but just right now I don’t have anything to say.’ Giddey said.
Thunder coach Mark Diagneault said the star guard would continue to play until a directive came to rule him out.
‘It’s obviously a league matter at this point, so the ball’s in their court on that,’ Diagneault said.
Giddey has also received support from his Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, who will travel to the United States to visit him and other Aussie players next month.
ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue82erqxnnZbGsbvRrWSsmZmhvLN5wJyarquVmXqwsoyvoJ2dn2LDsMXErqmiq51k